II 




PS 3515 




.0383 
T5 


OUGHTS 


1920 


^^^^^ 


Copy 1 


^ 




BY 


John El 


ston Hollings worth 




-e5£:> 


Near Top 




3415 Wins 


ow Drive 


Los Ang< 


iles, California 



THOUGHTS 




BY 



John Elston Hollingsworth 



-CSE:) 



Near Top 

3415 Winslow Drive 

Los Angeles, California 



Copyright, 1920 



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This little book — a labor of love 
To try and help my brother, 
In the name of Christ above " 
To understand our Father — Mother. 



Dear reader, are you thinking what your life 
is to be? 

Remember Jesus said you can do nothing 
without me. 

©C1AS74873 

JUL 12 1320 



GOLDEN TEXT 

In nothing be anxious, but in everything 
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving 
let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God that passeth all 
understanding shall guard your hearts and 
thoughts through Christ Jesus. 

—Paul. 



PASSING 

I am passing this way now, 
I am a stranger in the land, 
I am trying to learn how 
My Savior to understand. 

I am journeying to the unknown shore 
With a pilot faithful and true. 
He is not afraid of the billows* roar. 
And the landing of the ship is sure. 

He has made the journey before 
And marked the way for me. 
I am to follow him evermore. 
And do not need to see. 

He said, let your light shine before men 
That they may your good works see. 
And glorify your father in heaven 
Throughout an endless eternity. 

Our business here is to serve him, 
And all his commandments keep. 
And our light will never grow dim. 
Though the way may be rugged and steep. 

He has promised that he wall provide 
All things needful here. 
And as to the oncoming tide 
We should have no fear. 

Our lamps should be trimmed and burning 
To light up the pathway of time. 
To guide the weary ones in turning 
To the heavenly-celestial clime. 

If we will to his business attend 
And love him and neighbor as well. 
We will our days in happiness spend. 
And with our Savior forever dwell. 



And then in his presence we'll enjoy 
The peace that passeth understanding. 
And we will all our time employ- 
In the beauties of the other landing. 

A man can receive nothing except it be 
given him from heaven. — John. 

PATIENCE 

Let patience have her perfect work. 
The apostle James truly commanded. 
And we should not any duty shirk. 
Or on life's shore we'll be stranded. 

Human energy will carry us adrift 
Far out on the ocean billows. 
Gentle Spirit will cause us to shift 
And return to the calm of the willows. 

In quietness and confidence is our strength 
The prophet Isaiah has proclaimed. 
And we will find that, at length. 
Salvation is in Christ's name. 

Mortal man is blind to truth. 
And therefore he labors in vain ; 
He devotes his time from early youth 
The things of earth to gain. 

He heeds not the solemn warnings 
Of the wise man of old. 
But toils on from early mornings 
Till his days here shall close. 

The sign posts on the road to fame 
By other travelers erected. 
He sees not, nor reads to his shame. 
And bewails the course selected. 



7 

And when the last enemy calls 
Him to relinquish hold on earth. 
To his amazement he finds his all 
Is what he had at his birth. 

8 
Fellow travelers only remember 
That the one thing worth while 
Is a touch with the true and tender 
Jesus, in whom there is no guile. 



****** 



SERVICE 

Service is the highest earthly mission. 
It's the noblest calling in life. 
It's the basis of hope and fruition. 
And puts an end to all strife. 

The perfect one the example set. 
And bade us follow his lead. 
If we'll obey there'll be no regret. 
For he will supply our every need. 

The task, however, is a very hard one 
For the man of flesh to make good. 
The victory over self is not easily won. 
Indeed it's difficult to be understood. 

The Master left his home of bliss. 
And to this world he came; 
Yet he was betrayed with a kiss, 
And by his own was slain. 

The greatest event of all time 
Was the tragedy of the cross. 
It was an act most sublime. 
But to gain was to suffer loss. 



Self-sacrifice appeals not to man. 
The very suggestion his nature repels. 
The essence of service is in such a stand. 
In that thought alone happiness dwells. 

It has been proven that loss is gain 

As thousands of lives will attest, 

The greatest proof was the Lamb slain 

Followed by the lives of the purest c.nd Lest. 

The great sacrifice won for him 
The right hand of power. 
Where his light will never grow dim. 
But shine brighter every hour. 

He is continuing in the invisible clime 
The work on earth begun. 
And he is appealing to the sons of time 
To emulate the life of the Son. 

If man will heed the gentle advice 
And serve his brother man, 
He will comprehend the sacrifice 
And rejoice in the happy land. 

Service is the watchword of the hour. 
The perfection of all bliss. 
It will win the right hand of power 
And the seal of the Father's kiss. 

So stranger, friend, brother mine, 
Toil on, wait, to the Master be true. 
Day by day let your light shine 
And he'll welcome you beyond the blue. 



Whosoever would be chief among you let 
him be your servant. — Jesus. 



7. 



SELFISHNESS 

It's the bane of the human race 
Wonderful to tell, 
It goes at a fearful pace 
And leads straight to hell. 

It is seen in all stations. 
In the hovel, in the palace ; 
It's the ruin of all creation 
When controlled by malice. 

It's a part of the old man 
Who is moved by greed. 
He grabs all he can 
Regardless of need. 

It's a terror to neighbors. 
It sees only mine, 
For in all of its labors 
Knows nothing of thine. 

It craves great possessions 
But really can't tell why. 
Gives vent to imagination 
And wants all under the sky. 

If it rides in a chair car 
It takes four seats to rest, 
Tho the pleasure of others mar 
Even to their distress. 

If it's in an auto 
Will crowd the thoroughfare. 
And to make a show 
Will even life dare. 

This is proven true 
By the daily toll of life. 
It's surely nothing new 
To observers of the strife. 



8. 



And the man with much mun 
Delights in the fun. 
In gathering the dimes. 
No matter about the times. 

He makes fearful strides 
Rushing with the tides. 
Treading on people's toes. 
Careless of their woes. 

Or if he toots his horn 
In the early morn. 
Or afternoon late 
Footman side walk — take. 

For all the street is mine. 
There is no room to spare. 
Neither now nor any time 
For the foot passenger. 

It's confined to no creed 
Even in religion found. 
It's in the political breed 
And given muchly to sound. 

It's in the hut of the poor. 
In the mansion of the rich. 
It lines every shore 
And lands all in the ditch. 

Its origin is of the devil. 
The motive behind hate. 
Its soul all in a shrivel 
And leads to satan's gate. 

It's noticed in trade 

To the distress of everyone. 

It's seen in all shades 

In everything under the sun. 



9. 



It piles high wealth 
Through the love of gain, 
Destroys one's health. 
And to death attains. 

To obtain its end 

Will sacrifice all. 

Will make hearts rend ' 

And be lost in the fall. 

As to the golden rule. 
It's an entire stranger, 
Such an ignorant tool 
Never heard of the babe in a manger. 

Its victories pave the way 
To the last earthly call. 
It works night and day 
And ends in a pall. 

HOME 

I long for the home of the soul 
In the mansions bright and fair. 
That is the place of the goal 
As my Savior is reigning there. 

I catch a glimpse of the dawning 
As I tread the narrow way. 
And behold the glorious morning 
And the end of the perfect day. 

This is the way my Master trod 
With the thorns upon his head. 
And by the power of his God 
Wrought the resurrection of the dead. 

There is no other pathway 
Out of sense into soul. 
Both the sorrowing and the gay 
Must pay the same toll. 

10. 



Man lured by glittering gold 

Is unmindful of the great command. 

To win will risk his soul 

And miss the divine hand. 

The love of money is the root of all evil 
The apostle Paul once declared. 
The most potent agency of the devil 
By which men are often snared. 

Man must his Maker obey 

Or fail in the battle of life, 

If he heeds not he will fall away 

And be lost amid the strife. 

Pilgrim-friend, listen to the voice, 
*Tis still, small, sweet and kind. 
Today you can have a choice. 
Tomorrow may not be thine. 

These are the testing days 
"Which call for the faith that's true. 
For at the parting of the ways 
It's the anchor for me and you. 

I bid you lay up riches above 
And set your affections there. 
Depend upon his promise of love 
And he will lighten every care. 

Toil not for the things of time 
Which will melt and fade away. 
But labor for those sublime 
To greet you in the eternal day. 

Then when the sun goes down 
And the shadows around us fall. 
We'll exchange a cross for a crown 
And God will be to us all in all. 



11. 



In that dear delightful land 
The enchanting home of the soul. 
We will clasp each other's hands 
Listen to truths that's never been told. 

*'A11 things richly to enjoy" 

In the blissful home of the soul. 

In the city without alloy 

The treasures of heaven to unfold. 

In that city we shall rest. 
Good bye tears, farewell pain. 
And dwell forever with the blest 
Beholding the Lamb that was slain. 

That city is not made with hands. 
Gates of pearl, streets of gold. 
Made at the Father's command. 
In it are treasures new and old. 

That home is the invisible clime. 
Neither stars, nor moon nor sun. 
The light thereof is divine, 
Prepared by the Father and Son. 

As heirs of the Prince of Peace 
We will be children of his care. 
And our pleasures will never cease 
As his love is shining there. 

A wide welcome one and all 
To the boundless home of the soul. 
To whomsoever will is the call 
From the Captain of the Goal. 



12. 



LAW— GRACE— TRUTH 

Ever since time began 

It has been the Creator*s plan 

To gather from every nation 

The children of his creation. 

But there arose a new feature 

Due to the perversity of the creature. 

Which was followed by drowning 

With many voices sounding. 

But heaven was not to be cheated 

Nor in anywise by man defeated. 

So there were saved eight 

With which anew to create. 

And to begin to people the land 

As provided by the divine hand. 

Being dissatisfied with the new way 

They decided not here to stay. 

So they commenced the tower of Babel, 

But discovered that they were not able. 

For they were confounded 

And many tongues resounded, 

TTiey were dispersed world wide 

And were lost in the tide. 

Then came the Mesopotamia call 

For Abraham to leave all. 

By faith he was guided 

He knew that God had provided. 

Yet it seems that he forgot 

Made a mistake and took Lot, 

Who walked not by faith — but sight. 

And was lost in chaos and old night. 

Abraham was rewarded 

And by heaven guarded. 

And was given all the land 

From Beersheba to Dan. 

When his descendants were in bondage 

And that for quite a long-age, 

Moses appeared at the bush burning 

And his life was given a new turning. 

There I AM gave him his orders 

To go at once to Israel's borders 



13. 



And take the children by the hand 
And lead them to the promised land. 
By faith Moses crossed the Red Sea 
To set the children of Israel free. 
While Pharaoh and his host 
Were drowned by the Holy Ghost, 
Israel waxed fat and with pride 
Forgot God and turned aside. 
They worshipped idols again 
For which many were slain. 
In bondage, in Babylon repented 
They looked to God and he relented. 
While by Moses came the law 
And all men stood in awe. 
By Christ came truth and grace 
For to save the human race. 
And grace and truth abound 
Wherever man is found. 
Notwithstanding the confusion 
And the many delusions. 
They are conquering the world 
Under love's banner unfurled. 

Paul with evil intent 

To Damascus was sent. 

But while on the way 

Grace saved the day. 

In order that he a sinner 

Might become a world winner. 

Men are plunging headlong now 

And are constantly in a row 

In pursuit of money and power 

For which they are scrambling every hour. 

Only grace can slow their speed 

And save them for a better deed. 

The love of money is the besetting sin. 

And so great is the onrush and the din 

That men are not stopping to think 

What awaits them on the brink. 

And only heaven's matchless grace 

Will be able to check their pace. 

And cause them to consider awhile 

14. 



That truth is better than guile. 

Unless men will truly repent 

The God of heaven will not relent. 

But will slit the bags of gold 

So as to save the soul. 

Men are like Israel of old 

They are so intent upon gold 

They are forgetting the Savior 

Who redeemed them by bis behavior. 

Grace will save the soul 

At the loss of the gold. 

And it will sever the tie 

That binds men to such a lie. 

God will not be deprived of his treasure 

For he made man for his pleasure. 

Therefore men should take warning 

While they themselves adorning, 

For the only sure way 

Is heaven to obey. 

If man would be useful 

He must also be truthful. 

And to enjoy old age 

And the life of a sage. 

Sooner or later he must learn 

That heaven makes the turn, 

And he will call the hand 

That disobeys his command. 

Our age is now dying. 

Said a statesman sighing. 

If it is really true 

It should be nothing new 

To the observers of the times 

In all nations and climes. 

It's been the history of mankind 

From the beginning of time, 

That when men become enmeshed 

With the things of the flesh 

That they forget their Maker 

And end with the undertaker. 

It has been true in all ages 

Among the plebian and the sages, 

15. 



When wealth accumulates 

The race deteriorates 

Men rivet their affections 

Upon their possessions, 

And in luxury indulge. 

And are lost in the whirl. 

It's true thus Babylon fell 

Imperial Rome followed as well. 

Such will be this generation's fate 

If it does not mend its gate. 

It may seem to the blind queer 

To be stopped in their mad career. 

By the intervention of the Creator 

In behalf of his creatures; 

But having begun the good work 

Heaven will not any duty shirk. 

In order to succeed 

The good God will proceed 

His chosen ones to show 

The only true way to go. 

Which means earth's treasure to forsake. 

And heaven's riches to take. 

It's impossible two masters to serve. 

And from the straight path not to swerve. 

Such was the warning of the Master, 

Any other way means disaster. 

There's no other name under the sun 

By which man must be won. 

As His power is supreme 

Man^to him must look keen. 

To every one comes the Mesopotamia call. 

Which is for Christ he must leave all. 

And to postpone the day 

Means more trouble on the way. 

For the longer the delay 

The more things by the way. 

The more difficult to part 

With things close to his heart. 

There is no way 

Heaven's plan to stay. 

It was arranged at the dawn 

16. 



So that man should be drawn. 
By the irresistable power 
Of Spirit hour by hour. 
While man does not understand 
That will not change the plan, 
Man's eyes will be open 
By the Christ word spoken 
And then he will see 
The man of Galilee, 
And his gratitude express 
For the delivery and rest. 
Man only knows what he sees 
Is seldom seen upon his knees. 
And in spite of high heaven 
He continues to resist leaven; 
For like the rich young man 
He seems to take the stand 
That the sacrifice is too great 
For to risk such a fate. 
The mortal man of clay 
If left to his own way 
Would wander in the dark. 
And would never see the spark. 
But the mercy of heaven 
Will continue through leaven. 
Wayward man to win 
And free him from sin. 
Until man is set free 
By the Prince of Galilee. 
Grace and truth will hold fast 
And will win man at last. 
While the pessimistic man 
Cannot this understand. 
But when grace rolls away 
The mist before the clay. 
He will sing the glad song 
And unite with heaven's throng. 
And march on to glory 
To tell the old, old story. 

There is no wisdom, nor understanding, 
nor counsel against the Lord. — Solomon. 

17. 



LOVE 

Love is the sweetest word 
That mortals ever heard. 
Its origin is divine 
And it operates by Mind. 

It*s man's passport here. 
It will cast out all fear. 
It will cure every disease 
And give to man ease. 

It's a surcease from toil 
And provides the holy oil. 
It supplies man's every need. 
And frees him from all greed. 

It puts an end to all strife, 

A comfort all through life. 

It is the little leaven 

That Christ brought from heaven. 

It's an angel in every condition 
And breaks down all opposition. 
It thinketh no evil 
A terror to the devil. 

The peacemaker of all ages 
No matter how the fire rages. 
It's at home in all climes. 
In the mansions, in the mines. 

It moves on land and sea. 
Its mission is to set free. 
It's to mortals very dear. 
And with it none can interfere. 

Its power IS supreme. 

By all nations will be seen. 

Its home is on the throne. 

Yet o'er the v/ide world roams. 



18. 



Its work is to save. 
But never to enslave. 
It knocks at every door 
And visits every shore. 

Its labors never tire 
And kindles the holy fire. 
It's no respecter of persons 
By experience are its lessons. 

It's gentle and kind. 
And good for all time. 
It's found every vv^here. 
Other burdens to bear. 

It heeds every call 
Whether great or small. 
It's never in a hurry 
And never needs to worry. 

It secures to man bliss. 
Never betrays with a kiss. 
It knows no guile 
And works with a smile. 

It knows no hate 
And is never too late. 
It thrives on giving. 
And in holy living. 

It relieves from pain 
And by a fast train. 
It's the pilot on every ship 
And its sails never dip. 

No danger of stranding. 
Makes a safe landing. 
It's a necessity to the wise 
And to all men under the skies. 



19. 



It's a joy in need, 
Makes the utmost speed. 
The salvation of the world. 
Its banner is unfurled. 

It's a light on every shore 
And will shine forever more. 
It will stand every test 
And give to all rest. 

It never gets weary. 
Is a friend to the leary. 
It knows no darkness 
And never is lightless. 

A harbinger of better days, 
Is excellent in all its ways. 

Transcendently beautiful 
Patient and dutiful. 
For evil returns good. 
Is much misunderstood. 

In meekness sublime 
No change in all time. 
A shepherd to the soul 
Gathers into the fold. 

It's making progress 
By an unseen process. 
It saves man from self. 
Heals the delusion of pelf. 

It points to true riches 
And fills all niches. 
The peace to be desired 
By love only acquired. 

Love full well knows 
That the opposition of foes. 
Can't thwart the divine will 
And prevent love's mill 

20. 



From carrying out heaven's plan 
For the salvation of man. 
The purpose of high heaven 
Is to increase the leaven. 

It is even now afire 
As shown by man's ire. 
The people of this world 
Are in such a whirl, 

That they do not have time 
For salvation by Mind, 
So busy with things in sight 
That they cannot see the light 

It is well to stand still 
And watch closely love's mill. 
It will surely grind fine. 
And without loss of time. 

That which seems loss 
Is only the dross. 
And the real gain 
Will appear plain. 

Men should kindly understand 
That love controls the land. 
And no battle should be won 
At the mouth of the can-non. 

To those hell bent 
With ferocious intent. 
To slay teeming hordes 
With the edge of the sword. 

Should remember that defeat awaits 
Every effort of hate. 
And they might as well know 
Before they further go. 



21. 



That a victory by might 
And not by right, 
Simply piles higher 
The inevitable fire. 
That must sooner or later 
Recoil and consume the hater. 

Sword's mission is hell 
While love rings the bell. 
For those who are awake 
Heaven's treasures to take. 

Love is from above 
As gentle as a dove. 
From house to house revealing 
Its mission of healing. 

Sword is the instrument of the devil 
And is never on the level. 
Constantly destroying 
The whole world annoying. 
Continually undertaking 
Widows and orphans making. 

The work will be done 

But not with the gun. 

Nor with sub-marines. 

Neither with the marines. 

Nor will the birds of the air 

In the good work share. 

Only under love's banner. 

And in no other manner 

Can mankind be taught 

That heaven's will must be wrought. 

And that the sword 

Will fall by His word. 

They who the sword take 

Will perish with a quake. 

Such was the decree 

Of the man of Galilee. 

Now wath kingly reign 

None to dispute his claim. 



He will surely carry out 

And that without a doubt, 

Love's plan from the beginning 

To save men from sinning. 

It should never be doubted 

Love's enemies will be routed. 

Much to man's confusion 

Those controlled by delusions. 

It will soon lift the veil 

And begin the homeward sail. 

A new era will dawn, 

A new world will be born. 

And men will be good 

And all have common food. 

Old things passed away, 

New things come to stay. 

Man's work is destined to fail 

For all power will prevail. 

All nations under the sun 

Will be melted into one. 

Now may not be the time 

Then will be the time. 

When the people are ripe 

For the glorious sight. 

The kingdoms of this world 

Under Love's banner unfurled, 

Will become the kingdom of our Lord 

And that by the power of his word; 

For he sits serenely enthroned 

In his celestial home. 

Earth's millions to command 

By the wave of his hand. 

By love's gentle ministrations 

He will conquer all nations. 

And receive the royal crown above 

By the hands of divine Love. 

He will take his proper place 

With the redeemed of the race. 

And we'll glad hosannas sing 

To the praises of our king. 

In that land no more crying 

Neither sinning, nor dying, 

23. 



Death has lost its sting 
By the grace of our king. 
And we'll endless homage pay 
Where there's neither night nor day. 
In the regal home above 
For our God is Love. 



Not by might, nor by powder, but by my 
Spirit saith the Lord. — Isaiah. 



This is the end of all matter; all hath 
been heard: Fear God and keep his com- 
mandments for this is the vs^hole duty of man. 
For God will bring every work into judg- 
ment with every secret thing, whether it be 
good or whether it be evil. — Solomon. 




24. 



